March 6, 1934 – February 9, 2026
Grace G. Ackerson, age 91, of Newton, NJ, passed away peacefully at her home in Bristol Glen on February 9, 2026.
Grace was born on March 6, 1934, in Gilbert, PA, to the late Ethan and Beulah Gregory. She was raised in Gilbert and carried her strong faith and work ethic with her throughout her life.
In 1959, Grace married Donald Ackerson, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. In 1960, Don and Grace founded Blue Ridge Lumber Company in Blairstown. They began by leasing a small portion of the former Read’s Apple Jack Distillery building in the village of Jacksonburg (now known as Stampcrete), starting their business with determination, big dreams, and very little money.
By the late 1960s, the company had grown enough to purchase the former distillery building, and in 1972 they constructed a new building across the stream, now known as the Blairstown location of Blue Ridge Lumber. Don and Grace worked side by side for 32 years, building a successful and respected family business that still is an important part of the community.
Grace was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Blairstown for many years. She sang in the church choir, served on numerous committees, assisted with the food pantry, and participated in many community events. She also volunteered with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and was a member of the Blairstown Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary.
The Ackerson house was the kid’s neighborhood hangout, Grace and Don’s door was always open. Grace had a strong faith in Jesus and especially treasured time spent with family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Grace was predeceased by her husband, Donald (2015); her sister, Jean Roth; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Gregory, brother, Robert Gregory; and her niece, Jane Gregory.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna Van Scoten; Barbara Cornwell and husband, B. Lee; her son, Greg Ackerson and wife, Karen. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cori Kandler and husband, Joe; Cody Wolfe and wife, Nicole; Kristen Sosna; Sharon Copcutt and husband, David; Hunter Ackerson and wife, Lexi; and Grace Hale and husband, Jackson. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren: Riley Copcutt, Darcy Sosna, Wyatt Young, and Tanner Wolfe.
Grace also leaves behind her nieces, Debbie, Martha, and Sallie; her cousins, Colleen, Margaret, Cathy, and Mary Lou; and her cousin, Eddie Arnold.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 10 Stillwater Road, Blairstown, NJ, followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m.